wnc’s small business landscape

and processes. This can be a huge benefit in the manufacturing world as VR trainings can be much safer for people getting comfortable with expensive and potentially dangerous equipment.”

“Online education was on the rise anyway, but since Covid, many businesses and organizations realized how much of their operations that VR world really is,” Martin said.

Martin said financial institutions are recognizing the long-term implications of how retention is affected by accessible and engaging training materials. By realizing this importance, institutions may feel more inclined to help financially support the growth of small businesses. She said OTC can even set up tracking metrics and analytics that can be reported back to lenders showing how effective improving their programs is.

Parreco and Martin understand that improved online experiences can never replace the value of in-person interactions, but they said the online experiences can definitely better support those in person interactions.

“By front loading information for new clients or new hires, these people can come into an understanding and empowerment by knowing what is expected of them and what they can expect from the company,” Parreco said. “These people are walking into an initial meeting with much more information and can have deeper discussions and ask more informed questions, allowing these initial conversations to go much further than they would have without the online portion.” continued on next page